BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. — The owner of two popular Harley Davidson stores in North Carolina died in a motorcycle crash near Asheville on Friday.

WLOS-TV reported that 78-year-old Don Tilley died in the crash near Mile Post 394 on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Buncombe County.

Authorities said the wreck happened around 8 p.m. Friday. Tilley’s wife, Robinette, was taken to Mission Hospital with critical injuries.

Tilley owned Tilley Harley-Davidson in Statesville and Salisbury.

“We ask everyone keep the entire Tilley family in their thoughts and prayers. We thank you for your love and condolences and appreciate the many years of loyalty to the Tilley Harley-Davidson Family,” was posted by the Tilley Harley-Davidson Facebook page on Saturday.

NASCAR driver Kyle Petty also expressed his sorrow over the death, posting on Twitter Saturday, “God Speed, [Don Tilley]. Don taught me how to ride long distance, love Harleys & most importantly how to be a friend.”